Ireland's victory over Australia last Saturday has left New Zealand in line to face one of their Tri-Nations rivals in the semi-finals, but if the All Blacks lose to France here on Saturday they would be left with a route to the final that would probably take in England and then Ireland or Wales.
Not that they are contemplating anything other than a victory over France, the last team to defeat the All Blacks at Eden Park, back in the amateur era 17 years ago, and they expect to have Richie McCaw and Dan Carter back in action for the match that should decide who wins the group.
"Richie has had a big session today and Daniel got through a bit of work, even though he is still not 100%" said the New Zealand assistant coach, Wayne Smith. "They are on track to be available against France and Kieran Read [the No8] is on track to play against Canada in our final group game."
Carter pulled out of last Friday's victory over Japan with a back complaint. "He has freed up a bit," said Smith, who discounted suggestions that McCaw and Carter had been strategically withdrawn from the team to keep them fresh for France and subdue critics of the New Zealand management's tendency to rotate selection.
"He is just a bit stiff and uncomfortable, but he goal-kicked today and that's a good sign. We picked a team against Japan we thought would take on France, but the reality of tournament play is that you have to react to injuries. We have had a long-term plan on how we were going to do things, but it does not always play out the way you want.
"France will want to knock us over and we want to do the same. Psychologically, it is important for both teams. It is a big game for us and we have to get an edge. We have been watching all the other teams play and the physicality was way up, something we have to get to really quickly.
"The World Cup is different to normal Test matches. When you have two tier one teams against each other, the level of intensity goes up, so this will be a massive game because the French will be up for it and we've got to make sure we are.
"I think Ireland have issued a blueprint for rugby in showing that nothing changes. If you can win up front and you control the gainline and win the collisions, you're probably going to win the game. You get rewarded for getting on the front foot, for winning the territory, for winning the impacts in the breakdowns, and that's where the game's played."
France name their side on Tuesday, two days before the All Blacks who are spending the first half of the week in Christchurch. "It is humbling for the players to see what has gone on here," said Smith. "I think it will help, rather than hinder, us."
The France coach, Marc Lièvremont, said that finishing second in the pool would give his side a better chance of reaching the final, but added that he was interested only in winning on Saturday.
"It might be easier if we lose, but maybe the All Blacks think that as well," he said. "Losing is not an option for me, even if it would make it easier for us. We have had a surprise with Ireland and there may be other surprises too. It is not in the spirit of rugby to start a match thinking we are going to lose."
